California · Education Code

EDC §94050: (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to prevent deceptive and misleading use of the terms “college” and “university” by businesses and other organizations that present them

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Persons may not designate a business or organization as a 'college' or 'university' unless authorized as a private postsecondary educational institution. Violation is a misdemeanor.

Read the full statutory text
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to prevent deceptive and misleading use of the terms “college” and “university” by businesses and other organizations that present themselves as institutions of higher education but are not authorized to operate as private postsecondary educational institutions under Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 94700). (b) No person shall designate a business, social, political, religious, or other organization operating in this state, including, but not limited to, any firm, association, partnership, or corporation, as a “college” or “university.” (c) This section does not apply to the designation of any of the following: (1) A postsecondary or vocational educational institution established, operated, and governed by a public entity, or by a firm, association, partnership, or corporation using the name of that institution with the permission of the institution. (2) A nonprofit religious institution described in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 94739. (3) A bona fide trade, business, professional, or fraternal organization that either sponsors no educational services or sponsors educational services solely for the membership of the organization. (d) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.